The Classic little h R46 speaker nicely matches up with the SX-71 or SX-101 Mk 3.
This R46 came with a 10-inch speaker which in my opinion was intended for listening to 3875 AM, Shortwave Listening AM broadcasts which included music, and the Phono Input where the record player delivered music to the receiver's 6V6 audio amplifier.
Whilst listening to SSB or CW from either receiver- the 10-in speaker cuts the high frequencies too much. It's my opinion that the cutting of the high audio frequencies reduces the intelligibility of SSB and CW signals.
For me- the best speaker to listen to modern day ham radio communications is with an older Mobile Radio Speaker- like GE MASTRII or Motorola equivalent. In addition, a tuned port CW speaker is beneficial to use with older receivers that do not have modern DSP noise reduction or sharp selectivity.
In this modification, the goal is to improve the audio intelligibility from my two little h boat anchor receivers. Specific measurements and how to assemble will not be provided- but photos will hopefully give enough info if you choose to modify your Hallicrafters R46 or another classic boat anchor speaker.
The original R46 10-in speaker was removed and stowed away for safe keeping. The mask between the speaker and the cabinet was used as a pattern to create an interior front panel between the h cabinet and the new speakers. 3/16" hardboard / Masonite material was used. 5mm or 1/4" plywood would work just as well.
Arrow points to the original internal mask between the speaker and metal grille.
Next, a platform / deck was built to match the needed elevation of the Comm and CW speakers. Plywood would work best, OSB was used- as it was on hand.
Height of platform that the speaker(s) sit on depends on the size of the speaker(s) being used. The opening space where sound it emitted from is sharpie penned on the hardboard front panel.
The vertical 'stick' provides support for the DPDT switch that switches between CW or SSB speakers. The switch is elevated to a convenient height for easy access from the front of the speaker.
PCB material was my choice to support the slide switch that connects to the support stick. Masonite or 5mm plywood would also work well.
Arrows point to the R46's original speaker baffle attachment points.
Squint just right and kinda see the two speakers behind the h grille cloth.
Note: No holes were drilled in this R46 Speaker enclosure. This modified R46 can easily be returned to Hallicrafters collector status.
End of h R46 modification report. Best Regards, Ricky KR7W
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